00-01_MacArthur_Daniel.qxd
7/12/10
12:38 PM
Page i
DA N I E L God’s Control over Rulers and Nations
John MacArthur
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page ii
DANIEL MACARTHUR BIBLE STUDIES © 2000, John F. MacArthur, Jr. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other— except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Scripture passages taken from: The Holy Bible, New King James Version © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Cover Art by The Puckett Group. Interior design and composition by Design Corps, Batavia, IL. Produced with the assistance of the Livingstone Corporation. Project staff include Dave Veerman, Christopher D. Hudson, and Amber Rae. Project editor: Len Woods ISBN 978-0-8499-5542-6 All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. 10 11 12 13 14 QG 32 31 30 29 28
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page iii
The Book of Daniel Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Daniel and His Friends Obey God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Daniel 1:1–21 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dreams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Daniel 2:1–49 The Fiery Furnace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Daniel 3:1–30 The Humiliation of a Proud King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Daniel 4:1–37 Belshazzar’s Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Daniel 5:1–31 Daniel in the Lion’s Den . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Daniel 6:1–28 Daniel’s Visions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Daniel 7:1–28 Prophecy of the Ram and the Male Goat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Daniel 8:1–27 The Prophecy of the 70 Weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Daniel 9:1–27 Prophecies Concerning Persia and Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97 Daniel 10:1—11:4
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page iv
The Warring Kings of the North and South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 Daniel 11:5–45 The End Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 Daniel 12:1–13
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 1
THE BOOK OF DANIEL Introduction According to Hebrew custom, the title is drawn from the prophet who throughout the book received revelations from God. Daniel bridges the entire seventy years of the Babylonian captivity (605– 536 B.C.; see 1:1 and 9:1–3). Nine of the twelve chapters relate revelation through dreams and visions. Daniel was God’s mouthpiece to the Gentile and Jewish world, declaring God’s current and future plans. What Revelation is to the New Testament prophetically and apocalyptically, Daniel is to the Old Testament.
Author and Date Several verses indicate that Daniel, whose name means “God is my Judge,” wrote this book (8:15, 27; 9:2; 10:2,7;12:4–5). He wrote in the autobiographical first person from 7:2 on and should be distinguished from the other three Daniels of the Old Testament (see 1 Chronicles 3:1; Ezra 8:2; Nehemiah 10:6). As a teenager, possibly about fifteen years old, Daniel was taken captive, virtually kidnapped, from his noble family in Judah. He and other young Jewish men were deported to Babylon to be brainwashed into Babylonian culture for the task of assisting in dealing with the imported Jews. There Daniel spent the rest of his life (eighty-five years or more) and made the most of the exile, successfully exalting God by his character and service. Daniel quickly rose to the role of statesman by official royal appointment and served as a confidante of kings as well as a prophet in two world empires—the Babylonian (2:48) and the Medo-Persian (6:1–2). Also, Christ confirmed Daniel as the author of this book (Matthew 24:15). Daniel lived beyond the time described in 10:1 (536 B.C.) It seems most probable that he wrote the book shortly after this date but 1
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 2
before 530 B.C.. The passage in 2:4b to 7:28, which prophetically describes the course of Gentile world history, was originally and appropriately written in Aramaic, the contemporary language of international business. Ezekiel, Habakkuk, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah were Daniel’s contemporaries.
Background and Setting The book begins in 605 B.C. when Babylon conquered Jerusalem and exiled Daniel, his three friends, and many others. It continues to the eventual demise of Babylonian supremacy in 539 B.C., when Medo-Persian besiegers conquered Babylon (5:30–31), and goes even beyond that to 536 B.C. (10:1). After Daniel was transported to Babylon, the Babylonian victors conquered Jerusalem in two further stages (597 BC and 586 BC). In both takeovers, they deported more Jewish captives. Daniel passionately remembered his home, particularly the temple at Jerusalem, almost seventy years after having been taken away from it (6:10). Jeremiah alludes to Daniel’s background as it names three of the last five kings in Judah before captivity (see Jeremiah 1:1–3): Josiah (641–609 B.C.), Jehoiakim (609–598 B.C.) and Zedekiah (597–586 B.C.). Jehoahaz (609 B.C.) and Jehoiachin (598–597 B.C.) are not mentioned. Daniel is also mentioned by Ezekiel (see 14:14, 20; 28:3) as being righteous and wise. The book of Hebrews also alludes to Daniel as one of “the prophets: who through faith . . . stopped the mouths of lions” (Hebrews 11:32-33). The long-continued sin of the Judeans without national repentance eventually led to God’s judgment of which Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah had given fair warning. Earlier, Isaiah and other faithful prophets of God had also trumpeted the danger. When Assyrian power had ebbed by 625 B.C., the Neo-Babylonians conquered: (1) Assyria with its capital Nineveh in 612 B.C.; (2) Egypt in the following years; (3) Judah in 605 B.C. when they overthrew Jerusalem in the first of three steps (also in 597 B.C. and 586 B.C.). Daniel was in one of the first groups of deportees; Ezekiel followed in 597 B.C. Israel, the northern kingdom, had earlier fallen to Assyria in 722 B.C. With Judah’s captivity, the judgment was complete. In Babylon, Daniel received God’s word concerning successive stages of Gentile world domination through the centuries until the greatest Conqueror, Messiah, would reign. He 2
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 3
would defeat all foes and raise His covenant people to blessing in His glorious millennial kingdom.
Historical and Theological Themes Daniel was written to encourage the exiled Jews by revealing God’s program for them, both during and after the time of Gentile power in the world. Prominent above every other theme in the book is God’s sovereign control over the affairs of all rulers and nations, and their final replacement with the True King. The key verses are 2:20–22, 44 (see also, 2:28, 37; 4:34–35; 6:25–27). God had not suffered defeat in allowing Israel’s fall (chapter 1) but was providentially working His sure purposes toward a full display of His King, the exalted Christ. God sovereignly allowed Gentiles to dominate Israel—that is, Babylon (605–539 B.C.), Medo-Persia (539–331 B.C.), Greece (331–146 B.C.), Rome (146 B.C.–A.D. 476), and all the way to the Second Advent of Christ. These stages in Gentile power are set forth in chapters 2 and 7. This same theme also embraces Israel’s experience both in defeat and finally in her kingdom blessing in chapters 8–12 (see 2:35, 45; 7:27). A key aspect within the over-arching theme of God’s kingly control is Messiah’s coming to rule the world in glory over all men (see 2:35, 45; 7:13, 14, 27). He is like a stone in chapter 2 and like a son of man in chapter 7. In addition, He is the Anointed One (Messiah) in chapter 9:26. Chapter 9 provides the chronological framework from Daniel’s time to Christ’s kingdom. A second theme woven into the fabric of Daniel is the display of God’s sovereign power through miracles. Daniel’s era is one of six in the Bible with a major focus on miracles by which God accomplished His purposes. Other periods include: (1) the Creation and Flood (Genesis 1–11); (2) the patriarchs and Moses (Genesis 12—Deuteronomy); (3) Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19—2 Kings 13); (4) Jesus and the apostles (Gospels, Acts); (5) the time of the Second Advent (Revelation). God, who has everlasting dominion and ability to work according to His will (4:34–35), is capable of miracles, all of which would be lesser displays of power than was exhibited when He acted as Creator in Genesis 1:1. Daniel chronicles the God-enabled recounting and interpreting of dreams that God used to reveal His will (chapters 2, 4, 7). Other miracles include: (1) his protection of the three men in the blazing furnace (chapter 3); (2) His writing on the wall and Daniel’s interpreting it (chapter 5); (3) His provision of safety for 3
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 4
Daniel in a lions’ den (chapter 6); and (4) supernatural prophecies (chapter 2; chapter 7; chapter 8; 9:24–12:13).
Interpretive Challenges The main challenges center on interpreting passages about future tribulation and kingdom promises. Though the use of Imperial Aramaic and archeology have confirmed the early date of writing, some skeptical interpreters, unwilling to acknowledge the possibility of any supernatural prophecies, place these details in the intertestamental times. They see these prophecies not as miraculously foretelling the future but as simply the observations of a later writer, who is recording events of his own day. Thus, these skeptics date Daniel in the days of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 B.C.—see chapter 8; 11:21–45). According to this scheme, the expectation of the Stone and Son of Man (chapters 2 and 7) turned out to be a mistaken notion that did not actually come to pass, or the writer was being intentionally deceptive. Actually, a future seven-year judgment period (see 7:21–22; 11:36–45; 12:1) and a literal thousand-year kingdom (see Revelation 20) after Christ’s second coming when He will reign over Israelites and Gentiles (7:27) are taught. This will be an era before and distinct from the final, absolutely perfect, ultimate state that is, the new heaven and the new earth with its capital, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21–22). The literal interpretation of prophecy, including Daniel, leads to the premillennial perspective. Many other aspects of interpretation challenge readers: for example, interpreting the numbers used (1:12, 20; 3:19; 9:24–27); identifying the “One like a Son of Man” (7:13–14); determining whether to see Antiochus of the past or Antichrist of the far future in 8:19–23; explaining the “seventy sevens” in 9:24–27; deciding whether Antiochus of 11:21–35 is still meant in 11:36–45, or whether it refers to the future Antichrist.
4
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 5
Daniel and His Friends Obey God Daniel 1:1–21
Opening Thought 1) It’s true that hard times and crises not only build character, they also reveal it. In other words, how a person handles difficulties says a lot about that person’s character and beliefs. What’s the most difficult situation you’ve ever had to face? How did you handle it? What did it reveal about your faith?
2) What tests or trials are you facing right now? Are you clinging to God and continuing to faithfully live as He commands? Or are you compromising? Grade yourself (A–F) and explain why you gave yourself that grade.
5
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 6
Background of the Passage By piecing together evidence from the biblical record we can conclude that Daniel likely grew up in a godly home, his parents having been impacted by the spiritual revival and cultural reforms spearheaded by King Josiah. Surely it was disheartening for this prominent Jewish family to watch as Judah’s brief repentance was snuffed out by the wicked kings Jehoahaz and then Jehoiakim. Despite faithful prophets like Jeremiah, the nation staggered toward certain judgment. Chapter 1 describes this regrettable turn of events— Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Jerusalem (1:1–2) and his conscription of the most gifted and talented Jews to serve in the royal court in Babylon (1:3–7). The balance of the chapter (and really the entire book) tells of four young Hebrew teenagers under duress (1:8–16). Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were in a strange land far from home. They had been ripped away from their families, friends, beloved religious customs, from all that they had ever known. Suddenly they were among pagans in a land teeming with idols and decadence. How would they fare? How would they deal with emotions like fear and sorrow and anger? Would they keep the faith? Would they compromise? Would they become bitter? Would they cave in to despair . . . or rise to the occasion? This is a wonder chapter, an encouraging look at some rare young men of integrity. Here are great lessons about purity and principle. Here we can learn much about standing tall and strong in the midst of great trial. The chapter closes with these four young heroes having passed the test. God has honored their faithfulness. They are chosen for royal positions (1:17–21). This will give them a platform for future effectiveness and an international impact.
Bible Passage Read 1:1–21, noting the key words and definitions to the right of the passage.
6
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 7
Daniel 1:1–21 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god. 3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces 7
third year (v. 1)—606–605 B.C., the third year by Babylonian dating, which did not count a king’s initial (accession) year, but began with the following year; so the “third year” is in harmony with the same year labeled as “fourth” by the Judean system of dating
Jehoiakim (v. 1)—the wicked son of Josiah who ruled Judah (609–597 B.C.) during Nebuchadnezzar’s first plundering of Jerusalem Nebuchadnezzar (v. 1)—the son of Nabopolassar, who ruled Babylon from 605–562 b.c. Shinar (v. 2)—a term for Babylon his god (v. 2)—Bel or Marduk; the Babylonians were polytheistic and believed their military victories demonstrated the superiority of their deities over those of their enemies young men (v. 4)—probably between the ages of fourteen and seventeen gave names (v. 7)—a key factor in the Babylonian attempt to “brainwash” their captives; they tried to completely separate them from their pasts Daniel . . . Belteshazzar (v. 7) —Daniel means “God is my Judge.” Belteshazzar means “Bel Protect the King.” Hananiah . . . Shadrach (v. 7) —Hananiah means “the Lord is Gracious.” Shadrach means “Command of Aku” (another Babylonian god). Mishael . . . Meshach (v. 7) —Mishael means “Who is like the Lord?” Meshach means “Who is what Aku is?”
Azariah . . . Abednego (v. 7) —Azariah means “the Lord is my
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
11
12 13
14 15
16
17
18
19
20
21
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 8
looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.” So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. “Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.
8
Helper.” Abednego means “Servant of Nego” (or Nebo, the god of vegetation).
Daniel purposed (v. 8)—Daniel (together with three fellow Hebrew captives) resolved not to violate Jewish law by eating the pagan foods that had been devoted to idols. For them to have indulged would have been to honor these false gods. Now God had brought Daniel into . . . favor (v. 9)—God honored Daniel’s trust and allegiance by sovereignly working favorably for him among the heathen leaders; he was able to earn their respect.
vegetables (v. 12)—This Hebrew word may refer strictly to fresh vegetables; it might also include wheat or barley.
fatter in flesh (v. 15)—an indicator of healthiness
ten times better (v. 20)—This number is probably used qualitatively to signify fullness or completeness. The idea is that the young Hebrew men displayed incredible skill and surpassed the other trainees because of the favor of their God. first year (v. 21)—Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon in 539 B.C.; his third year (mentioned in 10:1), is the latest historical year mentioned by Daniel (see Ezra 1:1—2:1).
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 9
Understanding the Text 3) What happened to Judah when it was besieged by the Babylonians? Why did God allow this?
(verses to consider: Jeremiah 26–27) 4) For what qualities did the Babylonians look when selecting candidates from among the Hebrews for potential royal service?
5) Why did Daniel ask his Babylonian captors for a vegetarian diet? What happened as a result? Why do you think this incident was included in inspired Scripture?
9
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 10
Cross Reference Read about the historical background of chapter 1 in 2 Kings 23:34—24:6: 34
35
36
37
24:1
2
3
4
5
6
Then Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. And Pharaoh took Jehoahaz and went to Egypt, and he died there. So Jehoiakim gave the silver and gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give money according to the command of Pharaoh; he exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land, from every one according to his assessment, to give it to Pharaoh Necho. Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zebudah the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done. In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. Then he turned and rebelled against him. And the LORD sent against him raiding bands of Chaldeans, bands of Syrians, bands of Moabites, and bands of the people of Ammon; He sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken by His servants the prophets. Surely at the commandment of the LORD this came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also because of the innocent blood that he had shed; for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the LORD would not pardon. Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? So Jehoiakim rested with his fathers. Then Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place.
Exploring the Meaning 6) What kind of situation did Daniel and his friends leave behind in Judah? Why do you suppose Jehoiakim turned out to be so evil when his father Josiah had been such a godly man? 10
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 11
7) Read Proverbs 4:23. What does it mean to “keep your heart with all diligence”? How does this command apply to what Daniel and his friends faced?
8) Verse 8 says that Daniel “purposed in his heart . . . not to defile himself.” The idea here is that he made up his mind or resolved not to compromise his principles. How does someone do this? What’s involved in having firm purposes and enduring commitments? What’s the downside in making these kinds of spiritual decisions? What’s the upside?
Summing Up . . . “The way out of the temptation is to endure it as a trial and never let it become a solicitation to evil. You have been wronged. You have been falsely accused. You have been maligned or treated unkindly or dealt with unjustly. So what? Accept it. Endure it with joy (James 1:2); that is the way of escape. 11
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 12
Usually we look for a quick and easy escape route. God’s plan for us is different. He wants us to count it all joy, ‘and let patience have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing’ (verse 4). God is using our trials to bring us to maturity.”—John MacArthur
Reflecting on the Text 9) The old song says it this way: “Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone; Dare to have a purpose firm, dare to make it known.” Clearly, there is a difference between holding to a belief and entering into a conviction. A conviction is, in the words of one unknown writer, “nothing more than a belief with its boots on . . . ready to march, ready to fight, ready to die.” Do you agree? How would you distinguish the two? Which of the two words better describes your faith at this point in your life? Why?
10) In 1 Samuel 2:30 God says, “those who honor Me I will honor.” What are some practical ways you can honor God in the midst of a pagan culture that worships everything but the one true God?
12
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 13
Recording Your Thoughts
13
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 14
For further study, see the following passages: Exodus 34:14–15 Ezra 1:1 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 Hebrews 11:24–26
2 Chronicles 16:9 Psalm 119:115 2 Timothy 2:20
14
2 Chronicles 36:5–8 Isaiah 46:1 Hebrews 7:26
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 15
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dreams Daniel 2:1–49
Opening Thought 1) Think about the subject of dreams for a few minutes by pondering these questions: Do you find that you dream often? Are you able to remember your dreams when you wake in the morning? What recurring dream(s) or nightmare(s) did you have when you were young? What recurring dream(s) do you have now? Why do you think some people have frequent (and strange!) dreams while others don’t seem to dream much?
15
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 16
Background of the Passage Chapter 2 reveals trouble in the royal palace of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar was having disturbing dreams that he could not understand. Summoning his assorted counselors, the king gave a disturbing command: Supply not only the meaning of the dreams but also their very content! Failure will result in death! The magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers recognized the impossibility of this task, but Daniel immediately turned to His sovereign, all-knowing God in Whom all things are possible. Following a time of prayer, “the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision” (verse 19). In short, Daniel revealed that God was giving Nebuchadnezzar a blueprint for world history. The dreams depicted five great, successive world empires that would rule over Israel-Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and a revived Rome-followed by the final and eternal kingdom of Messiah. Thus, on a theological level, chapter 2 is a prophetic outline that can aid in understanding God’s sovereign activity in both human history and the yet-tounfold events of the end times. On a personal and practical level, it is a wonderful reminder of the power of prayer in a believer’s life.
Bible Passage Read 2:1–49, noting the key words and definitions to the right of the passage. Daniel 2:1–49 1 Now in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was so troubled that his sleep left him. 2 Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. 3 And the king said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream.” 16
second year (v. 1)—The promotion of the four Hebrews after three years (1:5, 18) agrees with the year of promotion after the dream in the “second year.”
dreams (v. 1)—During the time of revelation, God spoke through the interpretation of dreams that He induced.
Chaldeans (v. 2)—can refer to all people native to Chaldea (1:4; 3:8) or, as here, to a special class
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 17
Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.” The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, “My decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap. “However, if you tell the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore tell me the dream and its interpretation.” They answered again and said, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will give its interpretation.” The king answered and said, “I know for certain that you would gain time, because you see that my decision is firm: “if you do not make known the dream to me, there is only one decree for you! For you have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the time has changed. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation.” The Chaldeans answered the king, and said, “There is not a man on earth who can tell the king’s matter; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. “It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” For this reason the king was angry and very furious, and gave a command to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree went out, and they began killing the wise men; and they sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them. Then with counsel and wisdom Daniel answered Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had 17
of soothsayers who taught Chaldean culture
Aramaic (v. 4)—the language to which Daniel suddenly switched midway through verse four and continued to write in until 7:28; its alphabet is similar to Hebrew but retains some distinctive differences; the abrupt switch probably has to do with the fact that the subject matter of 2:4b to 7:28 is largely focused on other nations and Aramaic was the language commonly used in governmental and trade relations My decision is firm (v. 5)— The king shrewdly withheld the dream to test his experts; he was anxious for a genuine interpretation and feared deception if he were to reveal too much. Let the king tell (v. 7)—These worldly men knew the impossibility of what the king was asking (see verse 11)-not only wisdom in understanding the meaning of the dream but omniscience in knowing what it was in the first place!
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 18
gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon; he answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch made the decision known to Daniel. So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him. “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.” Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and I will tell the king the interpretation.” Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king, and said thus to him, “I have found a man of the captives of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation.” 18
Daniel . . . asked the king to give him time (v. 16)—Daniel trusted God to grant him special revelation.
that they might seek mercies (v. 18)—Daniel solicited the prayer support of his Hebrew friends.
the secret was revealed (v. 19)—God graciously gave Daniel the dream and its meaning.
Blessed be . . . God . . . for wisdom and might are His (v. 20)—a summary of the theme of Daniel—God powerfully controls all things and is the source of all wisdom
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 19
The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?” Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. “But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these: “As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass after this; and He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be. “But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart. “You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. “This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, “its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. “You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. “Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. 19
there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets (v. 28)— in contrast to the impotent gods of the Babylonian astrologers and sorcerers
not . . . because I have more wisdom than anyone living (v. 30)—Daniel’s humility is clearly revealed as he continually gave God the glory.
this great image (v. 31)—The parts of the statue represented the five successive empires— Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the later revived Rome—that would reign over Israel (in chapter 7 these same empires are represented by great beasts).
stone . . . which struck the image (v. 34)—representative of Christ at His second coming; he will destroy the fourth (Gentile) empire with great suddenness and establish His millennial kingdom, the ultimate empire
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 20
“This is the dream. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. “You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; “and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all-you are this head of gold. “But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. “And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. “Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. “And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. “As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. “Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” 20
inferior (v. 39)—probably means “lower” (that is, “earthward”) on the image of a man as Daniel guided Nebuchadnezzar’s thoughts downward on the body from his own empire (the head) to the less glorious one that would follow it (that is, Medo-Persia)
rule over all the earth (v.39) —Alexander the Great became the ruler of the world, including Israel, from Europe to Egypt to India. strong as iron (v. 40)—a fitting description of the Roman Empire, as its armies were noted for their iron armor
toes (v. 41)—These ten kings correspond to the ten horns of chapter 7 who will rule in the final time of the Gentile empire.
clay and . . . iron (vv. 41–43) —This revived Roman empire will have an iron-like strength for conquest, but the mixed-in clay shows that it will be vulnerable and flawed by human weakness.
stand forever (v. 44)—God’s kingdom has a millennial phase and an eternal future; it is the final rule. mountain (v. 45)—representative of God’s all-transcending government without hands (v. 45)— Messiah is not of human origin or power.
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
46
47
48
49
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 21
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him. The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.� Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. Also Daniel petitioned the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.
Understanding the Text 2) Describe (or, if you’re artistic, sketch) the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dreams.
3) What steps or course of action did Daniel follow during this time of national and personal crisis?
21
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 22
4) What attributes of God are highlighted in this chapter?
Cross Reference Read in Genesis 40 about another believer with a divine gift for understanding dreams. 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker. So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while. Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man’s dream in one night and each man’s dream with its own interpretation. And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the custody of his lord’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?” And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.” Then the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my dream a vine was before me, “and in the vine were three branches; it was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. “Then Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.” And Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days. 22
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 23
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 23
“Now within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand according to the former manner, when you were his butler. “But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house. “For indeed I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon.” When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head. “In the uppermost basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.” So Joseph answered and said, “This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days. “Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you.” Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Exploring the Meaning 5) What similarities do you see between the situations faced by Daniel and Joseph? What differences are apparent? How are the two men alike?
6) In what way was Daniel honored by Nebuchadnezzar as a result of this incident? How did this affect Daniel? What is the danger in receiving human praise and reward?
23
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 24
7) Concerning the astrologers and charlatans who prey on weak people, have you ever wondered, “If they’re really psychic, why do they have to ask you your name?” In what ways are modern-day fortune tellers and psychics exactly like the “wise men” of Babylon depicted in chapter 2? Which is easier to fake: facts or the “interpretation” of those facts? Why do you think people accept such vague answers (and even pay to hear it)?
Summing Up . . . “Scripture . . . declares that the end times will be characterized by great concern for world unity, world government, world economics, and world religion (see 2; 7; Revelation 13; 17–18). The world is looking for stability and security and is ripe for the unifying role of a world leader who can stop wars and bring an end to political, economic, and social chaos—the role that one day will be filled by the antichrist. “All of those signs that mark the end times are characteristic of our day. There can be no doubt that we live near the end of the age, and the concern of believers should be for what the Bible says rather than for what people say and for what God is doing rather than what people are doing.”—John MacArthur
24
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 25
Reflecting on the Text 8) Daniel made the king’s “decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven” (2:17–18). What’s the lesson here for people today? What situation(s) do you need to make known to your Christian friends so that you can unite in prayer?
9) After receiving an answer to his prayers, Daniel paused and gave thanks and honor to God. For what answer to prayer do you need to praise God today?
10) Daniel used his position and privilege for kingdom purposes (see verses 46–49). In what practical ways can you use your gifts, abilities, position, training, and so forth to be a more prominent spokesman or representative for God?
25
MacArthur_Daniel_6.qxd
7/12/10
12:02 PM
Page 26
Recording Your Thoughts
For further study, see the following passages: Genesis 40:8 Exodus 8:16–19 Isaiah 28:16 Romans 9:33 Revelation 17:9
Genesis 41:1 Psalm 47:8 Daniel 7:13–14 1 Peter 2:6
26
Genesis 41:16 Psalm 118:22–23 Luke 20:18 Revelation 13:4–5